Growth and yield response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris (L.) to media mixture ratios of sand, acacia soil, and goat manure

Abstract

Northern Namibian soils are predominantly sandy. A mixture of Acacia soils, sandy and goat manure is frequently used for growing various plants. However, the extent to which variations in proportions of these substrates affect growth and yield is not known. The study was conducted at the University of Namibia, Ogongo campus during the period April to August 2020 to determine optimum mixing ratios for sandy, Acacia erioloba soil and goat manure on the growth and yield of Swiss chard. Treatments were Sandy, Acacia soil and goat manure mixed in 5 different ratios of respectively; 1:2:1; 2:3:2; 1:1:1, 2:1:2, 1:1:2 and Acacia soil (control). Samples from each mixture used for pot filling were taken to the soil laboratory for textural analysis. A complete randomized experiment with 8 replications was laid under the University’s shade house. Measured parameters were plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry matter weight and chlorophyll content. Results showed that media was significantly different across all the measured parameters at 1 % probability level. The medium mixture 2:3:2 outperformed the rest of the mixtures in almost all the parameters. The results of the study indicated that acacia soil alone is not optimum for pot filling but must be supplemented with substrate that is rich in mineral content like goat manure. However, the mixing ratio is a key consideration for optimal vegetable production. We recommend the use of media mixture 2:3:2 to improve yield of Swiss chard.

Co-cultivation and Matching of Early- and Late-maturing Pearl Millet Varieties to Sowing Windows can Enhance Climate-Change Adaptation in Semi-arid Sub-Saharan Agroecosystems.

“…Reference source not found.). Soils in the NCR are classified into three major groups: Cambic Arenosols, Eutric Cambisols, and Haplic Calcisols [4], with sand being the dominant soil fraction [5,6]. Most areas fall within the Cuvelai Drainage Basin, originating in southern Angola, where rainfall is higher than in Namibia (Error!…”

Co-Cultivation and Matching of Early- and Late-Maturing Pearl Millet Varieties to Sowing Windows Can Enhance Climate-Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Sub-Saharan Agroecosystems

“…With an area of 84,582 km 2 , accounting for 10% of the country's land area [68], the NCR comprises four administrative regions, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto [75,89], characterized by a semi-arid climate (also see Figure 1). Soils in the NCR are classified into three major groups: cambic arenosols, eutric cambisols, and haplic calcisols [64], with sand being the dominant soil fraction [90,91]. Most areas fall within the Cuvelai Drainage Basin, originating in southern Angola, where rainfall is higher than in Namibia (Figure 1).…”